Archive June 25, 2025

NATO commits to major defence spending hike sought by Trump

NATO allies have come to an agreement to significantly increase military spending while reaffirming their “ironclad commitment” to collective defense.

By 2035, the 32-member bloc’s leaders pledged to give the country’s defense and related sectors up to 5% of their GDP, calling the action a “quantum leap” in collective security.

A summit communication released on Wednesday in The Hague contained the new pledge. Members were required to “invest 5% of GDP annually in core defence needs as well as defense- and security-related spending.”

In order to evaluate progress and reevaluate the threat posed by Russia, the commitment includes a convenient review point in 2029, which will be scheduled for after the upcoming US presidential election.

Although it glossed over glaring differences within the alliance, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the agreement as being “transformational,” echoing this sentiment by several leaders.

Donald Trump, the US president, acknowledged the change as evidence of his repeated push for a higher NATO defense spending commitment.

No one at the summit really believed it to be possible, Trump said. They responded, “You did it, sir,” You succeeded. I don’t know if I did it, but I believe I did.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Wednesday that the country plans to spend at least 4.1 percent of its budget on defense and security by 2027, a move that will likely win Trump over.

At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25, 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump are pictured.

divisions over spending

Not everyone is in agreement. Spain has already stated that it is unable to meet its 5-percentage goal. Following Russia’s massive invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez resolutely resisted his government’s current 2 percent threshold.

Sanchez asserted that Spain has the ability to implement NATO’s defense plans for 2 percent of GDP. This summit ensures both the welfare of our citizens and our country’s security.

Spain spends the least money on defense for NATO. It spent 1.24 percent of its GDP in 2024, and it did not meet the 2 percent goal among the nine member nations.

Trump quickly attacked Madrid’s position and threatened retaliation using economic means.

They want to remain at 2%. The US president called it “worse” and said, “I think it’s terrible. They will end up paying double what we’re negotiating with Spain.

The objections also came from Slovakia and Belgium. Bratislava claimed it had the authority to decide its own military expenditures, while Brussels warned that the timeline was unrealistic.

Steep spending is necessary.

Despite the opposition, the declaration established new targets: 3.5% for NATO’s “core defence spending,” and a further 1.5% for broader security measures, including upgrades to roads and ports, cyber defense, and capabilities for emergency response.

The deal, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, was unprecedented.

He claimed that “we struggled for years to get past 2%.” We’re talking about 3.5%, which is required to develop the capabilities we require right now.

The demands are high for money. European nations are being urged to bear more of the military burden as the US shifts its strategic focus to Middle East and Indo-Pacific.

Palestine Action are not terrorists. Israel is

Respectable protest alone does not work, according to the generation that marched in record numbers against the Iraq War. The power elite has repeatedly ignored the popular will, including regarding Palestine. Despite public polls showing a majority of support for an arms embargo on Israel, the government continues to be unmoved and the media does not pay much attention to the hundreds of thousands marching.

Due to the country’s lack of democracy, direct action may not be the only effective strategy to combat Middle Eastern war-mongering. I support Palestine Action, which the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, intends to annex in response to its activists’ vandalization of a Ministry of Defense aircraft, because of Britain’s ongoing military support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

I felt morally compelled to act immediately, too. I was a member of the original London Palestine Action group during the summer of 2014, when Israel bombed Gaza for 51 days, killing more than 2, 200 Palestinians. Production was halted for two days as we occupied the roof of an Elbit Systems drone engine factory. One of my most cherished memories is still being had.

However, our organization disintegrated and lasted forever before resuming operations in 2023. In contrast, the national Palestine Action, which was founded in 2020, has waged a fierce campaign against Elbit Systems, taking much greater personal risks.

Palestine Action has destroyed millions of pounds worth of military equipment in an effort to counteract Suharto’s bombing of East Timor and inspires Smash EDO, the Raytheon Nine, and the 1996 action that decommissioned Hawk jets. They have turned the military-industrial complex’s favor into a serious thorn. Many have been imprisoned, sacrificing their freedom as political prisoners, including young women, queer people, and people of color.

Crucially, Palestine Action has never caused any harm to a person. Their non-violent yet disruptive actions have saved lives. At least 200, 000 people have been killed or killed by Israel’s genocide in Gaza, including tens of thousands of children, in contrast. Any standard would apply to this, which would be considered state terror. Because their government won’t, these brave activists are preventing it.

Palestine Action would have had no target and probably wouldn’t have existed if the British government had never armed Israel or stopped doing so at any point in the previous ten years. Hence, it could be that Israel would not, as I write, engage in genocide in Gaza. However, the Balfour Declaration was the start of colonial arrogance, which has shaped British attitudes toward Palestinians for more than a century.

The direct intervention by Palestine Action exposed the contradictions between Britain’s position and Israel. The Home Secretary’s plan to declare the group a terrorist organization demonstrates the Labour Party’s current authoritarian style and the racialized social control that underpins the “war on terror.”

The UK has taken a page directly from Israel’s playbook by labeling nonviolent resisters as “terrorists.” Israel did the same for the Palestinian rights organization Addameer just this month. Authoritarian states around the world are using this tactic more frequently. It opens the door to fascism, and it poses a threat to further undermine the country’s still-existing democratic freedoms.

However, this tactic is ineffective. A group can be banned, but not a movement or an idea. Gareth Pierce, an acclaimed attorney, has been hired by Palestine Action to challenge the prohibition in court. Direct action will continue as long as Britain continues to support Israel’s genocide, even if the ban is lifted.

However, putting an end to this atrocity on its own cannot be done. From all sides of institutional politics, including institutional politics, it will press Britain under every conceivable pressure. Although it won’t happen overnight, it can happen.

When Palestine is free, history will be forever remembered for both Palestine Action and Keir Starmer as heroic peace activists who fought state terror.

Burnley sign Germany Under-20 keeper Weiss

Images courtesy of Getty
Max Weiss, a goalkeeper, has been reported to cost Burnley five million euros (£4.3 million).

The 21-year-old is the Clarets’ first summer signing under a four-year contract. He has previously represented Germany Under-20s.

Weiss, who helped the Bundesliga consistently last term. “I’m really excited to be here,” said 2 side to a eighth-place finish. It has a great ambition and is an amazing club.

“Every conversation I’ve had with people from here has been very positive and positive.”

Media reports have linked James Trafford’s departure from Turf Moor to their first-choice goalkeeper as Burnley prepares for a return to the English top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur will host Burnley for their season opener on Saturday, August 16 at 5:00 BST.

related subjects

  • Burnley
  • Premier League
  • Transfers of football
  • Football

Nigeria Woos Brazilian Investors As Trade Drops From $9bn To Under $2bn

The Federative Republic of Brazil investors have been contacted by the Nigerian government to entice them to make investments in the nation’s economy.

This is in response to the country’s trade sagging to $ 2 billion from the $ 9 billion it was in 2015.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, stated at a business forum in Abuja on Wednesday that Brazil’s exports to Nigeria, from machinery to poultry, exceeded $ 900 million in 2017. Less than $ 900 million was exported, primarily oil, cocoa, uraia, and sesame, by Nigeria.

At the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin

Read more about Brazil and Nigeria signing a $1 billion agreement to boost food production.

The two nations, in her opinion, underutilize their investment opportunities for better trading.

Brazil and Nigeria are not new countries. We have deep cultural, diplomatic, and historical ties. However, having a global economy that is rapidly changing requires more than just familiarity. To create structure, unlock scale, and pursue concrete outcomes is when we need to act.

By positioning the Nigeria-Brazil corridor for growth in the 21st century, we mean more trade, better trade, goodwill, clear frameworks, measurable impact, and co-investment.

The total trade between Nigeria and Brazil is currently just under $ 2 billion, which is a sharp decline from the $ 9 billion it was a decade ago. This indicates two things: first, that we have allowed opportunity to pass by us, and second, that the possibility of a rebound is real and well within our reach. Last year, Brazil’s exports to Nigeria totaled $ 970.000, moving from machinery to poultry. Less than $ 900 million was exported, primarily oil, cocoa, Uria, and Sesame, according to Oduwole.

She praised the significant reforms being carried out by President Bola Tinubu’s government and assured the Brazilian government that the Nigerian government was ready to conduct business.

Speaking at the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum, Vice President Shettima

Our primary responsibility at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is to facilitate transactions as well as to track transactions. We are working on significant structural reforms, unifying exchange rates, eliminating the fuel subsidy, ratifying the Investments and Securities Act, and introducing frameworks to unlock capital across key sectors under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed Hope Agenda.

These are already displaying results, they say. In the first quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s non-oil exports increased by nearly 25%, reaching nearly $1.8 billion. Last October, Brazil was our top destination for non-oil exports. And this demonstrates two things: first, that there is a need, and second, that if the strategy is followed, the Nigeria-Brazilian corridor could serve as a testbed for African and Latin American trade on an international scale.

“Let me briefly discuss our priorities, agriculture and agro-industry. Rice, cassava, sugar, and dairy products are all irrigated value chains. The Honorable Ministers responsible for these portfolios are in the room with us. Digital Trade: Nigeria is proud to be the African Continental Free Trade Area, the co-champion of digital trade.

Our Creative Economy: Our cultural exports, including film, fashion, music, and food, are growing, and we are investing in cross-border e-commerce, digital identity systems, and there is room for Brazil’s FinTech and logistics solutions. In Lagos and Sao Paulo, “we see room for co-production, licensing, and intellectual property monetization,” she said.

Thomas aims to learn from Wales prop legends

Huw Evans Picture Agency

Prop Gareth Thomas says he is benefitting from working with front-row greats Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins before Wales’ upcoming Test series in Japan.

Wales flew to Japan on Wednesday as they aim to register their first victory since the 2023 World Cup and end a run of 17 successive Test defeats.

Interim boss Matt Sherratt has brought Jenkins on board as defence coach, with the 129-times capped loose-head recognised as one of Wales’ greatest players.

“We had ‘Bomb’ [Jones] in the Six Nations and he’s been class for us,” said Thomas.

“He’s awesome for the front rowers, he’s bringing scrum time and is just a great bloke to have around as well.

“Gethin is one of the best loose-heads who’s played for Wales, so it’s great for the boys to work with him and use his mindset stuff.

‘Desperate to win’

Gareth Thomas in action for WalesHuw Evans Picture Agency

Wales meet Eddie Jones’ Japan in a two-match series, with the first Test in Kitakyushu on 5 July and the second in Kobe on 12 July.

Thomas is one of the most experienced players in the squad and sees similarities with the 2022 tour of South Africa as Wales bid to end their awful run of results.

Wales lost that series 2-1 against the world champions, but won the second Test – their first ever victory on South African soil – having been beaten narrowly by three points in the opening match.

“The last summer tour we had with this kind of block was South Africa, four or five weeks together before we went,” said Thomas.

“We don’t have that opportunity in the autumn and Six Nations to have this time together. So this time has been really good for us.”

Ospreys prop Thomas hopes Wales will gain their first international victory since October 2023.

“We’re all desperate to get that win now and turn the corner,” said Thomas.

“I think there is a talented group here and boys who have been in it for a while and on this losing streak, it does get to you.

“We need it, we are desperate for it.

Dealing with heat and humility

Gareth Thomas using a rowing machine in trainingHuw Evans Picture Agency

Much has been made of the conditions awaiting Wales, with extreme heat and humidity expected for two mid-afternoon kick-offs.

Wales’ preparation has included gruelling heat chamber sessions at their training base in the Vale of Glamorgan.

“You go to the well, but I love it – the whole squad in there,” said Thomas.

“The most I have lost is three kilos of fluid and we have to make sure we replace that, because otherwise we would be dehydrated and struggling.

Related topics

  • Welsh Rugby
  • Wales Rugby Union
  • Ospreys

Matty Healy’s mum Denise Welch’s ‘stressing out’ ahead of Glastonbury headline slot

Proud Denise will be attending her first Glastonbury to watch Matty and The 1975

Festival novice Denise Welch says she won’t be doing one common thing while she’s at Glastonbury

Denise Welch says she’s “stressed” about her first Glastonbury, where son Matty Healy will be headlining. The Loose Women favourite admits she’s not a fan of festivals – and has ruled out camping, instead opting for a more comfortable nights rest off site.

She’s heading to Worthy farm to see Matty perform with band The 1975. “I’ve not really been a festival bunny – I don’t really do festivals,” confessed Denise, 67. “The only one I’ve been to is Coachella. It was all VIP and very lovely. Hot, sunny and gorgeous and I thought ‘Oh, this is okay’. And no one stays there, everyone goes home at the end of the night. I am stressed about Glastonbury.”

READ MORE: Why did Matty Healy and Taylor Swift split – inside Glastonbury headliner and mega-star’s romance

Matty Healy and mum Denise Welch
Denise can’t wait to see her boy Matty on the Glasto stage – but says she’s not a fan of festivals(Image: Mike Webster/REX/Shutterstock)

Denise only plans to stick around for her boy – and one other music legend. “I am not going to stay for the whole three days,” she said. “I would rather be able to dip in and out. I might dip back in for the Sunday night to see Rod.”

BRIT award-winning The 1975 – made up of Matty, Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald, and George Daniel – step out onto the iconic Pyramid Stage on Friday night. Actress and presenter Denise says Matty, 36, gets his musical talent from dad Tim Healy, 73, who appeared in ITV’s Benidorm.

The 1975
Matty and band The 1975 headline the Pyramid stage on Friday night (Image: Getty Images)
Article continues below

She says Friday will be a special moment for the family and she’ll be watching Matty from the crowd with a non-alcoholic beer in hand. “My dad would have just loved to have seen him at Glastonbury – at least he lived long enough to see his success,” said the mum-of-two, who starred in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road.

“The band started when he was 13 in the garage and we kind of housed them all for god knows how many years. They were 13 when they started the band and about 22 when it all took off so yeah. They’re no overnight success, they work very hard and continue to work very hard.”

Denise with son Matty and Louis and Gabbriette
Denise says Friday will be a big moment for the family – including Matty’s brother Louis and his fiance Gabbriette
Article continues below

The four school friends formed the band in 2002 and shot to fame with the release of their chart-topping self-titled album The 1975. They saw similar success with the release of A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships and Being Funny In A Foreign Language. This is their first time headline Glastonbury.

Expected to be in the crowd is Matty’s fiance, model Gabbriette. The couple live in the US now. “I love Gabriette and I am thrilled for them both,” said Denise. She will likely be joined by good pal Charli XCX – who’s engaged to The 1975 drummer George. Charli headlines the Other Stage on Saturday night.